Business Organizations going to Ottawa as Team Saskatchewan to Promote Saskatchewan Interests

A group of 17 people representing 12 business organizations are traveling to Ottawa to do a Saskatchewan Day on the Hill on February 18th.

Meetings have been arranged with various Ministers and officials including the Prime Minister’s Office, Official Opposition and Departments of Finance, Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Transport Canada, Infrastructure Canada, Agriculture Canada and others.

“This is a unique opportunity to sell the many advantages of this province as a key partner in the economic future of the country. We intend to be direct on the opportunities available, but also ensure that the federal government sees us as part of their future success,” said Steve McLellan, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

“We will be speaking about infrastructure and skills development to ensure we have clarity on the federal government’s intent program-wise and to give them all perspectives on how they can successfully achieve their mandates,” said Mark Cooper, President of the Saskatchewan Construction Association.

“Innovation, immigration and ensuring access to markets and to skilled workers are high on our list of priorities. Saskatchewan literally sells manufactured goods and food and minerals to the world. We need to be sure we have the people with the right skills and enough market access to get those products to our customers,” said Derek Lothian, Vice President, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.

The group will travel to Ottawa for meetings before the Day on the Hill, but the primary focus is on Thursday, February 18.

“We see this as a time for Saskatchewan business to assist the efforts of our provincial government and our MPs to take the message that Saskatchewan is open for business,” said Lothian.